Marc Veasey joins trip to Italy and Ukraine, focused on security and NATO

Well, for the past week, the Fort Worth Democrat has been on an A-list congressional tour to Italy and the Ukraine — just one of six Democratic members joining House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California on the trip.

While Veasey’s office couldn’t say where he was, for security reasons, Pelosi’s office had the prerogative of keeping the press updated on where the delegation was and what they were up to on the trip focused on security cooperation and NATO.

First stop, Rome, followed by Naples and Milan, where they visited Milan Expo 2015 and the U.S. Pavilion, which featured an exhibit on feeding the planet.

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The VIPs even came out to meet the members, including Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Chamber of Deputies President Laura Boldrini.

Running again

State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, announced last week that he will seek another term in office.

Tinderholt was elected last year to represent District 94 in the Texas House of Representatives.

“I’ve been meeting with business owners, local officials, party leaders and educators in Arlington ISD,” he said. “I’m proud to begin my re-election with the support of so many party leaders, and look forward to announcing the support of many other community leaders over the next several months.”

Coming up

More than half a year before the March 1 primary elections, U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, has drawn another challenger on next year’s ballot.

Steven Fowler, a 36-year-old Arlington man, has announced that he is running against Barton for the Republican Party’s nomination to represent the 6th Congressional District of Texas.

“I am running for Congress because this district needs a proven leader,” said Fowler, who has served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard for nearly a dozen years. “This district needs a congressman that will fight to lower taxes, remove unnecessary regulations, create jobs, build a strong national defense, stop the wasteful spending and fight the government overreach into our personal lives.”

Earlier this year, Democrat David Cozad announced he would be making his third bid for the post. The retired software development manager made unsuccessful bids for Congress in 2010 and 2014.